Abdallah El Maaroufi

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Abdallah Maaroufi Obituary

EL MAAROUFI The Honorable ABDALLAH EL MAAROUFI On January 8, 2011, The Honorable Abdallah El Maaroufi, the former Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United States died peacefully at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland after a short illness. Ambassador El Maaroufi lived in Washington since 1969 where he began his career as an economist for the World Bank. He served as chief of World Bank missions in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Islamabad, Pakistan before being named Director of the World Bank's European Office headquartered in Paris. In 1998 he was named by His late Majesty, King Hassan II of Morocco, to the post of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the 'Groupe Banques Populaires'. In 2000, His Majesty, King Mohamed VI, named El Maaroufi as his Ambassador to the United States. Abdallah El Maaroufi began his studies in the United States at age 14 at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire. Time Magazine's September 29, 1958 issue included an article about Abdallah as the first foreign student to ever attend St. Paul's. He was quoted as saying he wanted to become Moroccan Ambassador to Washington "because," he quipped, "I'm weak in mathematics." Ambassador El Maaroufi went on to do further studies at the American School of Tangier, Morocco and the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. He graduated from Harvard University in 1967 and received his master's degree from Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs in 1969. Ambassador El Maaroufi served on the Board of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco and the American School of Tangier. He was a member of the Harvard and Princeton Clubs. In 1996 Abdallah El Maaroufi was awarded the 'Chevalier de l'Ordre du Trone,' by His late Majesty, King Hassan II. Ambassador El Maaroufi is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathleen McKim El Maaroufi, and their two sons, Karim and Omar El Maaroufi. Services took place at the Islamic Center of Washington on Monday, January 10, 2011.Services took place at the Islamic Center of Washington on Monday, January 10, 2011.

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Published by The Washington Post from Jan. 13 to Jan. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Abdallah Maaroufi

10 Entries

Janet Byard

February 11, 2011

Dear Kathy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Janet Shull Byard

January 29, 2011

Dear Kathy, Karim and Omar,

Chinh and I, Abdallah's old time W. Bank colleagues and friends, shared many convivial moments at work, the 'World Buttery', at play, at social events in the 70s in Wash DC. Abdallah was a fellow man with a big heart, capable of hard work, meeting great challenges, and still finding time to enjoy life with family and friends. We remember his gentleness and work ethics. We are so sad to lose him suddenly. We send you and his family our deepest condolences.
Claudie and Chinh Vu (Vancouver, BC, Canada).

Ndidi Nwuneli

January 21, 2011

I had the privilege to work with the Ambassador on a short project for the UNECA between August and October 2010. I was deeply impressed by his humility and kindness. It was a true blessing to hear his life's story and the immense love that he had for his family and his country. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

January 18, 2011

Dear Kathy,

Mike and I were shocked to hear of Abdullah's untimely death. You may remember our meeting in Ouagadougou in 1975. I was very involved in the AFR field operation, and after your very difficult beginning, we developed a better way to handle field office establishment. I always so enjoyed seeing you both in the field and following Abdullah's distinguished career when he returned to HQ.

Our very best to you during these difficult days. I know you will be remembering all the very wonderful times you all enjoyed during your many years together.

Barbara and Mike Ruddy

Claire Cox

January 18, 2011

Dear Kathy,

On behalf of all your friends at INC III, we send you and your family our deepest condolences.

January 16, 2011

Dear Kathy, Karim and Omar: We always appreciated the hospitality Ambassador Maaroufi showed to the Friends of Morocco and his contribtutions to the community.

Tim Resch, President, Friends of Morocco

Muriel Brathwaite

January 16, 2011

Dear Kathy...
I am so very sad to hear of Abdallah's death...He has always been to me more than a colleague, but a warm and very dear friend. After many years of being out of touch, I was in Morocco last year and sent him a LONG email sharing my wonderful experience there, and he was prompt and gracious in responding and acknowledging. I wish you and your family peace...we all share your loss.

January 14, 2011

Dear Kathy:
I wish to express my sincere condolences regarding the loss of Abdallah. We go back so many years and have very fond memories of you and your husband. I wish you and your family the strength you need in these days of sorrow.
Cornelis (Kees) de Kievit

Robert Hindle

January 14, 2011

Dear Kathy:

We first met you and Abdallah so long ago in Ougadougou, our paths crossing regularly thereafter. Abdallah commands both respect as a professional and affection as a human being. He is a loss for all.

Robert and Kathleen Hindle

sonia smith

January 14, 2011

Dear Kathy, Karim and Omar: I have been very saddened to learn the passing of Abdallah, so early. He was a warm, caring person and a wonderful family man.
I wish to convey to you my deepest sympathy at this difficult time. My prayers are with you,

Sonia N. Smith

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